Referee
Ben O'Keeffe
Ben O'Keeffe is a New Zealand international rugby union referee and qualified ophthalmologist who holds the record for the most first-class, Super Rugby and Test matches officiated by a New Zealand referee.
New Zealand
Age 37
Facts checked against Wikipedia and Wikidata on 7 September 2026.
Background
Dr. Ben O'Keeffe is one of the world's elite rugby referees and a fully qualified medical doctor specializing in ophthalmology. A New Zealand-based referee, O'Keeffe has become the most capped first-class referee for New Zealand and has officiated at the highest levels of rugby, including Super Rugby and international Test matches. His unique combination of medical expertise and elite refereeing knowledge makes him invaluable to understanding the game's laws and player welfare.
Honours
- Record for most first-class games officiated by a New Zealand referee
- Record for most Super Rugby and Test matches officiated by a New Zealand referee
- Rugby World Cup referee 2019 and 2023 (8 matches)
- British & Irish Lions series referee, 2021
- Qualified medical doctor (ophthalmology)
Career
- Marlborough Rugby (Grassroots)
- Super Rugby Referee (2015-present)
- Test Match Referee (2015-present)
- New Zealand Most Capped First-Class Referee
- Medical Doctor (Ophthalmology)
Strengths
- Game Management
- Law Expertise
- Decision Making
- Communication
- Player Welfare
- Medical Knowledge
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